PCB Urges ICC For Written Guarantee On Hybrid Model For Future Tournaments In India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly pressing the International Cricket Council (ICC) to obtain a written commitment from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This request aims to establish a hybrid model for future ICC tournaments held in India.

India's refusal to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns has prompted this demand. The PCB seeks to formalise a hybrid model, where India plays its matches at a neutral venue, likely Dubai, making it legally binding for upcoming ICC events in India.

This proposed model would apply to several tournaments: the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, 2029 Champions Trophy, and 2031 Men's ODI World Cup. However, the BCCI is hesitant to provide such a guarantee due to uncertain future bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March 2025 has become central to this debate. While other cricket boards seem open to the hybrid model, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has publicly opposed it and called for an alternative solution.

Despite public opposition, backchannel talks have led the PCB to tentatively accept the hybrid arrangement with conditions. This would mean India's matches occur in Dubai. This mirrors the Asia Cup 2023 scenario where Pakistan hosted only four matches while India's games took place in Sri Lanka.

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal expressed doubts about the effectiveness of written guarantees. "Written agreements between India and Pakistan have not been effective in the past," Akmal noted, referencing prior bilateral series agreements that failed to materialise.

ICC's Dilemma

The ICC faces a challenging task of finding a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. Moving critical matches or finals involving Pakistan to neutral venues could present logistical and political hurdles. Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board has reportedly stepped in as a mediator.

The PCB has warned that if India refuses to travel to Pakistan, they may not send their team to India for future ICC tournaments. This adds another layer of complexity as both nations navigate these diplomatic cricketing challenges.